The effect of music on labor pain in the active phase of the first stage of labor in primiparous women

Background and aim: Non-pharmacological methods in labor analgesia are better than pharmacological methods because they are safe for the mother and baby, easy to administer, have great satisfaction, do not interfere with uterine contractions and are not expensive. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of music on pain intensity in primiparous women during the active phase of labor. Methods: A single blind controlled trial was conducted on sixty primiparous women in hajar hospital of Shahrekord patients. Were randomly assigned to two equivalent groups (n=30): music and control. Data were collected by means of questionnaires and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). First, prior to any kind of intervention, the severity of the base pain (the beginning of the active phase) was measured in two groups by means of VAS in 4 cm dilation. Again, after the experimental group had received intervention, the severity of the labor pains in 4,6,8 and 10 cm cervical dilation was measured and was compared. Women in the music group listened to their choice of soft music with earphones (calming or piano) intermittently each 30 minute during the active phase of labor. Data were analyzed using general linear model, the paired t test, χ2 and independent t-test. Results: There was a significant difference between the severity of the pains pre and post music intervention in 4, 6 and 8 cervical dilation (P<0.001). Comparing between music and control group, to music group had significantly less pain than the control group. In 4, 6 and 8 cervical dilation (P<0.001). The mean duration of first stage of labor in music group was 353.46±67.6 minutes and in control groups was 401.5±96.5 minutes (P<0.05). Conclusions: Findings suggest that music can decrease pain during labor. So introduce music as a technique which will make the labor pains olerable, will decrease its severity without using any drugs, and will decrease unessential caesarean section

Investigation of the Health Literacy Level of Women in Reproductive Age as a Public Health Problem in Zahedan

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate health literacy (HL) status among women of reproductive age who referred to urban health centers in Zahedan. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 250 women of reproductive age (15-49 years old) who referred to urban health centers in Zahedan, Iran were assessed using the Iranian Health Literacy Questionnaire. To analyze the data, SPSS 15 software and statistical tests including independent sample t test and chi-square test were used. Results: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of participants in this study was 26.32 ± 5.83 with a minimum of 15 and maximum of 45 years. The majority of the participants (32.4%) held a high school diploma and 88.8% of them were housewives. The mean HL score was computed 7.15 out of 20 indicating that 100% of the participants had inadequate HL. There were significant relationships between HL score and age, occupation, educational degree, language and living location (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Considering high levels of inadequate HL among women of reproductive age in Zahedan, it is recommended to use HL measures to screen people with inadequate HL, to provide each individual with information and services which are appropriate to their HL skills and to be able to reduce the consequences of inadequate HL

Comparing the analgesic effect of heat patch containing iron chip and ibuprofen for primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Primary dysmenorrhea is a common and sometimes disabling condition. In recent years, some studies aimed to improve the treatment of dysmenorrhea, and therefore, introduced several therapeutic measures. This study was designed to compare the analgesic effect of iron chip containing heat wrap with ibuprofen for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In this randomized (IRCT201107187038N2) controlled trial, 147 students (18–30 years old) with the diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea were enrolled considering the CONSORT guideline. Screening for primary dysmenorrhea was done by a two-question screening tool. The participants were randomly assigned into one of the intervention groups (heat Patch and ibuprofen). Data regarding the severity and emotional impact of the pain were recorded by a shortened version of McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Student's <it>t</it> test was used for statistical analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The maximum and minimum pain severities were observed at 2 and 24 hours in both groups. The severity of sensual pain at 8, 12, and 24 hours was non-significantly less in the heat Patch group. There was also no significant difference between the groups regarding the emotional impact of pain at the first 2, 4, 8, 12 and 12 hours of menstruation.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Heat patch containing Iron chip has comparable analgesic effects to ibuprofen and can possibly be used for primary dysmenorrhea.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>IRCT201107187038N2</p